CDD12 vs C12 Drill

[Forrest Anderson]

A question for cordless drill owners...

The CDD12 12v cordless drill comes up on the second-hand market more often than its successor the C12.

CDD12:

C12:

If you have owned both drills (perhaps upgraded from the CDD12 to the C12), did you notice much difference?

For instance, the CDD12 has a battery which mounted at the front, whilst the one on the C12 fits onto the bottom - did that noticably affect the balance? The C12 has a brushless EC-TEC motor, whilst the CDD doesn't - is there a noticable difference in power?

Grateful for any input.

Forrest

 

[Jerry Work]

Hi Forrest,

I do own and use both every day.  The C12 is superior in every way.  It is the essence of continuous improvement engineering.  The motor is a 3 phase AC industrial stepper motor that is way more efficient than any DC brush style motor.  Speed control is also more efficient and you achieve nearly 100% of torque at very slow speeds.  The whole motor and drive train fit into the head space that contains just the drive train on the previous drills.  The motor automatically shuts off one half revolution after the torque limit is reached saving the clutches from wear.  So, the C12 will do more work using less battery power, will work far longer than any battery operated drill I know of, and its lighter weight helps you do more work, more precisely and with less fatigue.  I like the other drills, too, but the C12 is the one that finds its way into my hands most often.

Jerry

A question for cordless drill owners...

The CDD12 12v cordless drill comes up on the second-hand market more often than its successor the C12.

CDD12:

C12:

If you have owned both drills (perhaps upgraded from the CDD12 to the C12), did you notice much difference?

For instance, the CDD12 has a battery which mounted at the front, whilst the one on the C12 fits onto the bottom - did that noticably affect the balance? The C12 has a brushless EC-TEC motor, whilst the CDD doesn't - is there a noticable difference in power?

Grateful for any input.

Forrest

 

[Tinker]

Now you've done it, Jerry.  I have purposely been avoiding any literature on the C-12 short of ripping that page out of my latest catalogue.  The CDD12 has been my first choice ever since I discovered how handy and well balanced it could be.  And now you come along with an even brighter picture of power, light weight, longer battery life, etc.  I am never getting off of the slippery slope.
Tinker

 

[brandon.nickel]

Tinker, at some point you'll be able to open the catalog, look around and close it again, saying "I've got one of each".  Then you're done.

I'm personally waiting for my DeWalt 12V drill to die.  It's taking an awfully long time to do so.  It has provided me with an incredible amount of work.  In fact, I'm still on the original batteries after 8 years.  They don't last as long as they used to, but it still works.  Once it dies I'll be able to justify jumping in on a C12.  Those offset and right-angle chucks would have made life so much simpler in a large number of situations these past years.  Someday...

 

[Steven in Iowa]

Tinker,
  I replaced a Dewalt screw gun with the C12.  Now I never use my Dewalt drill either.  The C12 is one heck of a purchase and much under rated.

 

[Dan Clark]

Tinker, at some point you'll be able to open the catalog, look around and close it again, saying "I've got one of each".  Then you're done.

I'm personally waiting for my DeWalt 12V drill to die.  It's taking an awfully long time to do so.  It has provided me with an incredible amount of work.  In fact, I'm still on the original batteries after 8 years.  They don't last as long as they used to, but it still works.  Once it dies I'll be able to justify jumping in on a C12.  Those offset and right-angle chucks would have made life so much simpler in a large number of situations these past years.  Someday...

One of each including ACCESSORIES?!?  Ah, there's the rub.  Just when you think you've got 'em all and know how to use 'em, Festool will introduce another!  ;D

I think Simon and Garfunkel's old song is appropriate here - Slip Sliding Away:http://www.lyricsfreak.com/s/simon+and+garfunkel/slip+sliding+away_20124691.html.  It starts with...

Slip sliding away, slip sliding away
You know the nearer your destination, the more you slip sliding away

8)

Dan.

 

[Forrest Anderson]

I do own and use both every day.  The C12 is superior in every way...

Many thanks for the comments, Jerry - much appreciated! 

Forrest